He said that even two days after the incident, the government had not given any official explanation for the cause of the fire.
Repeatedly questioning the government’s handling of the incident, Gehlot accused Sharma of withholding crucial information and making misleading statements.
“I have said earlier that BJP leaders seem unaware of even the basics of refinery operations. Their statements only reinforce that impression. They also allege corruption in the refinery project. After being in power at the Center for 12 years and in the state for over two years, why has no action been taken?” said Gehlot.
Meanwhile, Sharma hit back, accusing the previous Congress government of corruption and delays. Addressing a public rally in Osian, he said the BJP government had expedited the refinery project within two and a quarter years.
Calling the fire “unfortunate”, Sharma accused Congress leaders of politicizing the incident. “This refinery is our heritage and the biggest of the country. People of Barmer and Jaisalmer are aware of the corruption that happened before. The land has been distributed arbitrarily. I want to make it clear that any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated,” he said.
Spread over nearly 4,500 acres and built at a cost of ₹79,459 crore, the refinery employs over 20,000 workers.
So far, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has not issued an official statement detailing the extent of the damage. Preliminary indications suggest that if the crude still has not suffered major damage, commercial production could resume by July 1.
